What is Reportable?
The standard for reporting suspected abuse and neglect is “reasonable cause to believe” which means that mandated reporters need only a "mere suspicion" that abuse or neglect was committed against a person with a disability. If abuse or neglect is suspected, trust your feeling and file a report to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s (DPPC) 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-426-9009. It is better to err on the side of action.
In addition to reporting suspected abuse and neglect, mandated reporters are also required to report to the DPPC all cases in which an individual with a disability has died, regardless of whether or not abuse or neglect is suspected.
For reporting suspected abuse and neglect committed against children, elders and persons residing in long-term care facilities (otherwise known as nursing homes) refer to the following numbers.
Massachusetts Abuse Reporting Numbers
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) (24 hours / 7 days a week)
Ages 18 to 59
1-800-426-9009 V/TTY
Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) (24 hours / 7 days a week)
Ages 60 and over
1-800-922-2275
Department of Public Health (DPH)
All Ages residing in Long Term Care Facilities
1-800-462-5540
Department of Children and Families (DCF) (24 hours / 7 days a week)
Birth to age 17
1-800-792-5200